tree

Swamp Bloodwood

Corymbia ptychocarpa

The Story

Plant Bio

Corymbia ptychocarpa is an evergreen tree native to northwestern Australia, characterized by a crooked young habit that matures into an open, spreading crown with weeping branchlets. The trunk is covered in thick, rough, brownish bark with a distinct tessellated texture.

This species features large, leathery, lance-shaped adult leaves with a contrasting pale yellow midrib and a paler underside. Terminal branched clusters of heavily ribbed buds open into dense, nectar-rich flowers that are predominantly pink but can range to deep red.

Uses & Benefits:

Large, leathery leaves and terminal clusters of bright pink to red flowers provide a bold, tropical appearance.

Provides light, dappled shade and serves as an effective windbreak in coastal or subtropical landscapes.

Flowers produce abundant nectar that attracts bees, butterflies, and occasional hummingbirds in warm climates.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

472"

Width

315"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sandy loam or well-draining alluvial soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the graft union remains above the soil line.
Water deeply during the establishment phase, then transition to moderate watering while allowing the topsoil to dry between applications.
Apply a low-phosphorus fertilizer formulated for native Australian plants during the active spring growing season.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting this species in boggy garden depressions; despite its common name, it requires excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in well-drained sandy or loamy soils to prevent waterlogging.
Protect young trees from frost and freezing temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use low-phosphorus fertilizers to avoid root toxicity.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly draining boggy areas.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood as the tree fails to resprout from bare timber.
Do not over-fertilize, which leads to weak structural growth and root damage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeShade TreeCoastal GardenWindbreak

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Grevillea robusta Callistemon viminalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Swamp Bloodwood questions

What zones can Swamp Bloodwood grow in?

Swamp Bloodwood is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Swamp Bloodwood bloom?

Swamp Bloodwood typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Swamp Bloodwood need full sun?

Swamp Bloodwood does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Swamp Bloodwood drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Swamp Bloodwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.